Monkey Pox Outbreak in Delta State

The Delta state government has confirmed three reported cases of suspected monkey pox disease in the state. According to Delta State Commissioner for health, the suspected 3 cases of Monkey Pox disease are under medical care at a location that is not made known to the public.

Dr Nicholas Azinge, the State Commissioner for Health, made the revelation on Tuesday, October 24, in Asaba at a media briefing.

He said, “A total of three cases of suspected monkey pox disease have been reported in Delta state with no death recorded so far.

“However, for now we cannot disclose the location of the victims for confidentiality reasons and in order not to cause panic in their areas.

“The monkey pox is self-limiting disease with no specific treatment and no vaccine, meaning that no matter what you do, the disease will run out its course.“Because it is self-limiting, what we are doing is to treat manifested symptoms of the disease like rashes, headache, general body weakness etc.“However, the suspected case of the disease does not confirm monkey pox; not until laboratory analysis confirms it.”

The commissioner said that the 3 victims are under intensive medical care, and that surveillance officers in the 25 local government areas of the state have been put on alert.Dr Nicholas Azinge also said, if you come in contact with an infected human being or animal you stand the chance of being infected.

“We want to appeal to residents in the state to remain calm as the Ministry and other health agencies are collaborating to curtail any eminent spread of the disease in the state. As part of a preventive measure, we appeal to the people to strive to wash their hands and avoid contact with infected animals or persons. people should make sure they cook their meat properly before eating.

“As a state, we will also ensure the isolation of all infected persons and quarantine of animals and persons who may have come in contact with infected animals or persons,” Azinge said.

The commissioner also added that the ministry will continue to sensitize residents on the preventive measures and appealed to them to report any suspected case of the disease to the ministry’s hotlines and gave the ministry’s surveillance telephone numbers as 07037120510 and 08036680782.